Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand area of South Carolina are home to over 25,000 year-round residents. Our communities also attract millions of visitors annually to the semi-tropical paradise that is a golfer’s mecca, a fisherman’s delight and a family vacation haven. As the number of people in such a small area swells, so too does the possibility of both pedestrian and biking accidents.Nationally, in 2007 43,000 bicyclists were injured and 698 died in accidents involving motor vehicles. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration reports that 70 percent of bicycle injury patients in emergency rooms did not involve a motor vehicle, and thus, went unreported to the police.

A Serious Concern

The number of bicyclists visiting hospital emergency rooms is estimated to be in excess of 500,000 per year.In addition, there were 70,000 pedestrians hurt in car accidents, with 4,654 fatally injured in 2007. The threat of being injured or killed while walking is a serious concern for many individuals and sometimes a very real problem that resort areas and communities must face.Whether a biker or pedestrian is injured by a driver or through the carelessness of others, the Maguire Law Firm, serving the Grand Strand including Horry, Georgetown, and Marion counties of South Carolina, is there for the victim. We will work to gather the details and to seek justice for those injured through the negligence or recklessness of others. Contact us online or use our toll free number at (800) 525-9900.

BICYCLING WARNINGS

In a crowded beach environment, bikers, pedestrians and drivers should all be aware of the South Carolina rules of the road. Ignorance of the law is not a defense when a bicyclist is injured or killed in an accident caused by a motorist’s careless driving.

South Carolina biking laws state that every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway:

• Is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle (which are pertinent to cyclists),
• Will ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical,
• Should not ride more than two cyclists abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles,
• Should use a path for bicycles, and not the roadway, if one is available adjacent to a roadway,
• Will have a lamp on the bicycle front which is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, and a red reflector and red lamp on the rear which is visible to 300 and 500 feet to the rear, respectively.

Traffic conditions that could impact a bicyclist’s safety include on-street parking, heavy volume of motor vehicles, the traveling speed of traffic, travel surface, and debris on the roadway. Always stay alert to the actions of the bicyclist and the conditions of the road when sharing the road with bike riders.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CONCERNS

With pedestrians crowding the streets, walking to and from the beach, coming out of restaurants, and simply mingling on street corners it is important for drivers to stay alert at all times, especially at intersections where the majority of pedestrian injuries occur. Keep in mind the following pedestrian safety pointers when sharing the roadways with pedestrians.

Tips for crossing roadways safely on foot:

• Cross the street at marked crosswalks or at intersections, and observe traffic-control signals. Drivers should be aware of walkers running through lights to beat the signal.
• Yield to motor vehicles and bicyclists when you are not in a crosswalk or are not crossing at an intersection.
• Stay to the right on shared pathways and avoid walking in “bike only” lanes.
• While walking or jogging alongside a road without sidewalks, always walk or jog facing traffic.
• Make eye contact with oncoming motorists and cyclists, and indicate your intention to cross. Motorists should be especially cautious and yield to pedestrians when possible.
• Be observant — be seen — be safe: avoid cell phone use when walking in congested areas or crossing busy streets; wear bright colors and walk in well-lighted areas at night; don’t step into the street from behind an obstruction.

CONTACT A LAWYER EARLY

The Maguire Law Firm’s staff deals with the insurance company to allow you to focus on your recovery, your family, and your future. We understand the medical aspects of injuries and how they can impact your life. Our goal is to turn complex information into real language that jurors can understand.

WHERE YOUR BEST INTEREST IS WHAT MATTERS

If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a bicycling or pedestrian accident, contact us for more information about your legal rights. We are dedicated to seeing that you get the justice you deserve. To reach us in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area call 843-361-7549 or use our toll free number at (800) 525-9900. We offer flexible appointment scheduling for your convenience.